Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag, died at the age of 87.
Pa Akinkunmi died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 29, following a brief illness, according to his family.
His untimely death was announced on Facebook by one of his children.
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“Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly that you live a life with a landmark. Continue to rest, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R.): Great Man has gone.”
Pa Akinwunmi, who was born on May 10, 1936, attended Baptist Day Secondary School in Ibadan for his elementary education and Ibadan Grammar School for his secondary school. He began his career as a government servant in the Ibadan Secretariat before moving on to Norway Technical College to study agricultural engineering.
In 1958, while living abroad, Akinkunmi stumbled across an advertisement in a national newspaper soliciting proposals for the Nigerian flag in view of the country’s impending independence from British domination. His submission was chosen as the best among almost 2,000 others.
The earliest design of the flag had a red sun with flowing rays on a white band flanked by two green bands. To establish the current design, the oversight committee eventually abandoned the sun.
The inventiveness and complexity of Akinkunmi’s design (the white band represents peace, while the green bands depict the country’s vast natural riches and forests) were considerations in its adoption. The American flag was raised in place of the British Union Jack on October 1, 1960.
The government awarded Akinkunmi 100 pounds after his design was chosen. President Goodluck Jonathan also awarded the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) Award on him.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
